FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION, RECREATION, SERVICE,
ENGINEERING and GORMAN FARM
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
November 30, 2010
The Finance, Recreation, Service, Engineering and Gorman Farm Committee met at 6:10 pm on November 30, 2010. Present were Councilmembers Smiley-Robertson, Vonderhaar, and Schaefer. Also in attendance during portions of the meeting were Mayor Apking, Jack Cameron, Julie Tople, Betty Huffman, James Jeffers, Jim Bothe, and Sandra Murphy.
I. Gorman Farm
Sandra Murphy presented a written report which is attached. In response to a question from Councilmember Vonderhaar, SVP partners are helping with a fundraising strategy as well as overall goals for the farm. Councilmember Schaefer asked why the Saturday morning and 4H programs had been discontinued. Sandra responded that staff reductions led to the decision to discontinue the programs. Councilmember Smiley-Robertson commented that she saw the farm from an entirely different perspective when she accompanied a school group. Councilmember Vonderhaar also attended a school program last year. Sandra responded that the programming is required to meet state guidelines and the farm is a very popular destination for school groups. This year, due to demand, some were scheduled beyond the normal September and
October dates. Councilmember Schaefer asked if the Farm had any questions after Susan Van Amerongen’s presentation at the last Council meeting. Sandra indicated that she knew of no inquiries. Councilmember Smiley-Robertson, likewise, had no inquiries. Finally, Brian Babb is the new Foundation Board president.
II. Engineering/Service
The Monet project is complete except for one driveway which is privately contracted, some sprinkler system replacement, and placing sod in the work area. These will be completed in the near term or deferred until spring, depending on the weather.
The Glendale-Milford project still has some signage and striping for the bike lane. Weather has delayed the bridge painting and bridge parapet work until spring.
Councilmember Vonderhaar noted that Cooper Hill had downspouts going to the curbs and that a portion of Reading Road needs some type of sealant until it can be repaved. James Jeffers responded that Cooper Hill was repaved, but the curbs were not done at that time. The part of Reading Road in question was to be part of the Road project that was eliminated. James Jeffers will see if there is a temporary solution for the Reading Road situation.
The storm water requirements are still being discussed and probably will be presented early next year. The discussion includes the division of functions between the County level and the local level.
Jim Bothe noted that two line items are questionable as far as getting through the year. They are: 705.524.320 Building Maintenance and 201.524.210 Operations. The committee had requested to know whether the appropriations were adequate to get through next year, barring some unexpected expense.
III. Recreation
Dave Nichols could not attend, but by email indicated that the recreation department will be able to maintain the same level of programming with the current budget. The discussion of Recreation Fees was deferred until his return.
IV. Finance
Betty Huffman represented George at the meeting. The November Monthly reports will be sent prior to the Council meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.
V. Administration
Jack Cameron raised the issue of money for the next phase of the master plan had been moved to a contingency line item. The committee unanimously approved a recommendation that it be moved back to the budget. The reason is that the next phase involved zoning and development guidelines for, among other things, the Village owned land. These zoning and development guidelines must be in place so the land can be developed.
Julie Tople presented the options and potential effect of changes to the current Village health care coverage. The committee, after the presentation, unanimously approved a recommendation that the current plan for health care coverage stay the same for 2011.
Councilmember Smiley-Robertson presented several options for using the 1% pay raise funds in the budget. After much discussion the committee recommended that 2011 compensation be given to full time employees in two lump sum payments of $425 in April and November. The base salary of the fulltime employees would not be increased.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
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Christian J. Schaefer
Committee Chairman
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